Perspective

Yesterday was a really horrible day. On a personal level, on a local level for us, and on a national level, it was all just a pretty rough day. 

I have a little tale to tell (and mom, you should probably skip this part). 

Yesterday, Flor had an appointment at Primary Children's, so she and I left the house in the morning and started on the hour or so drive. We were cruising along, about half way to our destination, and I was completely lost in my thoughts about Miss M when all of the sudden, the car started making a horrible noise. Not only that, but my pushing the gas pedal with my foot was completely in vain as the car would not accelerate and didn't seem to want to accept that pushing the gas was supposed to warrant some response. I down shifted to see if something was wrong with the gear I was in, but got the same response. I was quickly snapped out of any and all previous thoughts about anything else and focused on getting us to safety. Before I could even feel scared, the adrenaline pumped in and with a quick backward glance at oncoming traffic,  I cut across 5 lanes of traffic on the freeway and onto an upcoming exit (luckily there was an exit right there).  The car was decelerating at a rapid pace and I had my doubts about our ability to get up the exit ramp. The last thing I wanted was to have the car die right there on the exit ramp. Luckily, we made it up with the last little bit of speed (and I didn't have to stop because the light was green--another lucky break) before I coasted down the hill and into a bank parking lot where the car came to an official and silent death. It was only then that I began shaking and processed what had just happened. We were lucky to not have anything major happen to us. If there had been too many cars in my way to cut across all those lanes of traffic, or if the car had died on the ramp, things could have been a lot worse. 

The bad news is that the engine is completely dead. UGH. Devin came to rescue us and we, along with the help of two lovely Chase bank employees (thank you kind sirs), towed the car into the nearest mechanic's shop, where the gave us the official news. We aren't too broken up about the car because it is old and we expected that it wouldn't last forever, but it still isn't really pleasant news, if you know what I mean. This means a new car right before I am starting school with student loans and blah blah blah. 

On our drive home from the lovely saga, we heard the news about the Boston Marathon bombings. Quickly my thoughts and prayers were turned toward those who had witnessed and endured such a senseless act of cruelty. What is this world coming to? It seems we can't hardly go a week without news of another bombing, shooting, or act of terrorism. It is frightening to think that we are living in such an increasingly evil world. The thought that so many people were affected yesterday was really sobering. It quickly snapped me out of the "poor me" mentality that I was definitely feeling. Realizing that our problems are so minor in comparison to the trauma and the sadness that others are facing is humbling. 

Then, last night, we heard the news of a local girl who had gone missing as she walked to school. (Update: Police have confirmed that she has been found!!! HURRAY!!!!!). This news really put things into perspective for me. I absolutely cannot imagine a scenario worse than not knowing if one of my children is safe. So what if my car is dead and we have to get a new one at an inopportune time? Though slightly inconvenient, it really is minor in comparison to what others are facing. I have my kids and I have my husband and we are all safe and healthy and happy. These are incredible blessings and ones that I do not want to take for granted. 

P.S. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the help in sharing M's story. I had 5 people email me asking for further information! Praying that something works out for her. She is such a sweet girl and so deserving of a family. 

P.P.S. In other good news, my Uncle Judd goes home tomorrow!!! There is still some rehab ahead, but his recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. We have so much to be grateful for.